Call made to develop River Swilly walk

By Chris Ashmore

Calls for the development of a River Swilly walk in Letterkenny resurfaced once again at the monthly meeting of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District Council.

It’s now more than 20 years since a number of local people drafted proposals for the development of the lands stretching from the Port Bridge to the Oldtown Bridge in the town.

It was also envisaged that a weir would be provided at the Port Bridge which could overcome the fact that it is a tidal river in the town.

The issue was raised by Cllr. Gerry McMonagle who noted that in more recent times representatives of a committee had spoken to landowners in the area and out as far as New Mills.

Cllr. McMonagle said it was a project that they “could add to and build on” and it could be done over a number of years.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ciaran Brogan felt they should have a workshop with all the stakeholders and interested parties in order to further matters.

In a written reply, Community Development Staff Officer, Christina O’Donnell, said that what has previously been referred to as the Letterkenny Riverside Walk falls within the scope of the Emerging Preferred Corridor of the Letterkenny To Burtonport Greenway project.

This is currently going through a public consultation process and a further update will  be provided when that is complete.